MotifLab, DXF pattern generator for laser cutting

Context

The idea comes from a real job, building a bin shelter along with a terrace extension. The client could not find a guardrail he liked. Makers laser-cut from DXF files, but offering varied, custom patterns remains difficult.

What I did

• I defined the principle. The tool starts from a shape (often a 1 × 2 m panel) and scatters points in it.
• Configurable rules (density, size, distribution) for a pattern that is random but harmonious.
• Direct export to DXF, the format used by cutting machines.
• I built the tool with Claude Code, keeping control of the approach and the settings.

What I noticed and learned

• Starting from a real need gives a useful tool from the first version.
• A coding assistant saves a lot of time, but fine-tuning the result is still my job.

My mistakes

• I cannot yet show an actual cut of a generated pattern. Without it, we cannot tell whether the patterns can be manufactured.

Results

• Working software that turns an aesthetic intention into a file ready to cut.
• Each pattern is unique and exports directly to DXF.

Tech stack